[ Valeria ]My eyes blurred with fresh tears, the sharp ache in my heart was unbearable as I stared at the audacity of my love. His secretary posted their picture on a private beach. It was very intimate.He had his hand resting on her flat tummy on a beach. They looked happy in each other's arms. This heartless man kept toying with my feelings when he was with her."Why are you crying, Miss?" A quiet voice caused me to flinch and immediately wiped my tears. I closed the social media account and looked at the source of the voice.There was a small boy standing at a distance from me. He was cute with big blue eyes and raven black hairs. I didn't had to guess who he was.Ashton's child. He had striking resemblance with Ashton except his black hairs."I am sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you." I forced a smile.He nodded his head and turned to leave. He seemed very reserve and quiet boy unlike other kids."May I know your name?" I asked him. We were going to live in the same house. The l
[ Valeria ]"You must explain this."My Mom's eyes were fixed on me as she dragged me in the kitchen. Her polished nails was pointed at Alex who was totally oblivious to our heated conversation."He is Ashton's son and now my legal step son, Mom." I tried to keep my answer brief and direct as it was a sensitive topic for me as well."I know that part, sweetheart." Her tone faltered, "I wouldn't let you marry him if I knew beforehand that my little girl has to play a mother of a five years old. I am feeling pathetic as your mother." Her voice cracked.I held her shoulders and gave her a hug. I had no words to convince her because her outburst was justifiable. I was feeling same though I had no hard feelings for Alexander. He was an innocent child, crushed between his parents' ego and ambitions."He is here with me. Please do not let him feel outcast. His father and the house staff is also not very friendly with him." I requested her."You care for him?" Mom asked out of blue.I was stu
[ Valeria ]"What was that?" I snapped at Ashton as soon as we reached at his house. Thankfully, Alexander was fast asleep and taken to his room. Now, it was only us. I crossed my arms across my chest and gave him a curt look. He couldn't dictate my life."We're leaving in-" He paused and glanced at his wrist watch, "Two hours and twenty seven minutes. Hurry up, and pack your bags. I don't want you to whin when we land in Italy." He said, again avoiding my question. "I'm not going anywhere unless I get my answer from you, Ashton. I'm not your slave or you bought me. You can't just walk in my house and tell me craps." I threw my hands in the air.He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. He looked clearly annoyed but I least bothered about him. "Doris is planning to send media at our house in the morning. I am saving you from their brutal interrogations, Valeria. In our world, you can't avoid them forever, you know this but present scenario isn't good for your image." H
[ Valeria ]I kept stealing glances of my last minute husband as he had been engrossed in his laptop for four freaking hours. The man was a workaholic. He didn't look away from the screen even for once and now, boredom brought the worst out of me.I tried watching a movie with Alex but he also fell asleep after an hour as it was midnight and we were 16,000 feet above in the sky in Ashton Rodriguez's private jet.A luxurious plane with all the facilities that we enjoy at a seven star hotel. I had a fair idea of his net worth but living it in real life, was something I found hard to believe."Are you done staring at me?"I heard his deep voice laced in tease. I jerked up and saw him staring back at me, with those soulful eyes piercing through my soul."I...I..am not." I defended myself while my cheeks heated up in embarrassment."I can buy this excuse if you want me." He smirked and shut down his laptop.I was caught red handed and now, there was no escape from this intimidating man who
[ Ashton ]She actually turned me down!What the fuck?She was the fatal flame who was drawing me close like I was a petty moth. I'd burn, my whole world was crashing down since I laid my eyes upon her. I was ready to offer my pride on her feet but I couldn't let her know what I feel for her.My deep, passionate feelings.It was for her own safety.She shouldn't know the dark secrets of my life. She was the ray of hope who had the power to illuminate my darkness.I silently walked out of my room and with steady steps, I padded my way to hers. We hadn't talked since the flight incident. I kind of avoided her. She was a sweet distraction while I was on a mission.The mission to save her from the hidden enemies.I silently opened the door with the master key and sneaked inside. I couldn't stop the smile that spread on my lips seeing how cutely Alexander and Valeria were sleeping like two babies snuggled together.She nicknamed my son, I could see acceptance in her approach towards my son
[ Valeria ]Ashton locked himself in his room since we arrived in Italy. He was behaving distant and awkwardly cold. I had no issue with him being reserved but Alex really wants to enjoy this trip.We got along very well. He is a shy boy but with me, he was living every moment, laughing and playing games with me but my mind kept drifting to Ashton. He can't keep his hands and bold remarks off me.I kind of missing him."Urgh! I hate this." I groaned throwing my phone on the couch since it didn't have cellular network."What happened, Val?" Alex asked who was playing video game on his tablet."Phone network, Alex. I can't see my social media and your father isn't allowing us to take a tour of the city. I mean he is a boring person but we can enjoy or we were fine back at home." I said chewing my nails in frustration and boredom."You're right, Val. We have to do something." He pretended to think hard by tapping his chin."Yes, please or I'll go mad talking to these walls." I huffed slu
[ Valeria ]"You seem lost. What's the matter? I mean it's not my place to ask you nor I have the right but you know curiosity kicks the best out of me." I nudged Ashton who was quite during our trip to the famous spots after the lunch.We were gazing at the setting sun sitting on a stone bench."Just work related and I don't talk much. I thought you would have noticed it by now." There was a hint of mockery in his tone but it was harmless."I noticed but being serious with a poker face throughout the day. You don't get bored?" I tried to tease him.His green eyes looked more beautiful in the lava red sunlight of the evening."No, I don't because that's how I am. You can't change a person's pre-installed nature." He said taking out a cigarette but I snatched it from his hand."We have a kid with us, Ashton and this is a public place." I reprimanded him. I didn't know why I became this bossy around him.I should remember my limits with him because once we'll be back home, we'd on our s
[ Valeria ]The stretch of silence exceeded as only the sound of cutlery against the ceramic plates disturbed it. Ashton again shut me off since we returned from our day out. This man has many layers and each time he confuses me more by his complexity.Not that I'm willing to go all spy on him but he's present in my present. I need to know everything about this man who is my husband.I sliced my tenderly cooked lamb on coal, it was a romantic set up on the rooftop of the hotel but the awkwardness was only known to us."Stop staring, Val. It's creepy." He said without sparing me a glance as his fingers skillfully sliced his meat.I was caught red handed which was more embarrassing."I wasn't staring." I lied through my teeth."Whatever helps to sail your boat." He shrugged and we continued eating in silence whereas other couples talked in hushed voices. Clearly, they loved the privacy that this expensive hotel provides them including their splendid services.Of course, it adds loads to
[ Valeria ] “Watch out! You’ll miss the shot, Alex.” I shouted and the boy kicked the ball and hit a goal against his father.I clapped for him and the duo walked back to me, both sweating and huffing under the sun.“I beat him, Val. I am getting better in my soccer game.” Alex exclaimed with pride.“I am sure one day you’ll become a great star in future.” I ruffled his hairs and handed them water as they sat down under the shady tree.“How are you feeling, love?” Ashton, my loving husband asked me with concern.“Boring, I want these exams to be over as soon as possible because I want three of us to go for a trip.” I pouted and closed the book I was reading for my final exams.“You’ll do great, Val. We have full trust in you.” he smiled and pulled me close.“I want to attend your graduation ceremony, Val.” Alex said. The boy looks more like his father as he is growing.“Yes, you are coming there. I want all my loved ones to be a part of my most important day.” I smiled.“I can’t beli
[ Valeria ]“Val, I am again saying this, please, try to understand. It’s not as easy as you think. I will make double enemies that allies I have in present if I quit this mafia life and it will eventually put everyone’s life at risk.” Ashton again started with the same subject and I kissed his lips again to shut him.“You’re Ashton Rodriguez and I know you can do anything if you decide. So, stop thinking too much and make it clear to your father that you are ready to quit your job as his puppet. Jason can have everything he wants and it will also end the feud between you and your stepbrother.” I suggested him.He shook his head, “It’s not easy, Val. My father is the devil’s incarnation in human skin. He doesn’t like disobedience and you have seen his reaction. His fury can burn down everything.” He said and suddenly something strikes my mind.“What if the root of your fears will be removed forever? Who will be there to threat you after his death?” I raised my brow and his pupils dila
[ Valeria ]I was lost in my thoughts that I didn’t realise where I was walking and bumped into someone. Before I could fall and hurt myself on the grassy ground, two strong arms held me protectively.“Are you okay?” His soft voice forced me to look at him, his beautiful eyes showed concern and somewhere emptiness.It has been a week since he revealed his real identity to me and I avoided him as much as I could because I wanted to clear my mind before taking my next decision. I started my college and it gave me an excuse to not stay much at home and the rest of the time I spend with Alexander.“Yeah, I am good.” I slowly stood on my feet and looked away.The awkwardness could be felt between us. None of us dared to say anything. He gave me space for all this time, it was very unusual of him.“Can we walk? The weather is pleasant today.” He said after a moment of silence.“Okay.” I said quietly and in the next moment, he entwined our fingers. I was surprised at first but relaxed since
[ Valeria ]“What?”I blinked my eyes few times to confirm whether I heard him saying that he is into mafia but his grave facial expressions didn’t give any hint of a dream.“Yes, I am a mafia man, in simple words. This is the truth my family had been hiding for years and now you’re the wife of the American mafia.” He said without any filter to make it sound less shocking for me.“Look, Ashton, if you don’t want to tell me the truth, I get it. You don’t need to make a lame excuse.” I rolled my eyes and lashed at him bitterly.“I do not joke around, Valeria. You demanded the truth and I gave it to you. It’s up to you if you want to believe me or not. I run the illegal business under the nose of the government. This is a risky life I have been living since I met my father and he introduced me to his shady world. Perhaps, it was the biggest mistake of my life. You and Alexander are also a part of my life but I want to keep you both away from this shit.” He said and this time I had to bel
[ Valeria ]Many questions were running in my mind and I didn’t know how should I voice them to the man who was linked to my dilemma. After meeting his father, I learnt something which compelled me to judge my previous decisions. What kind of business they do? I know it wasn’t a simple talk. When I asked Ashton, he brushed it off by his silence and during the dinner, we ate without saying a word to each other and this invisible wall was getting into my nerves.My breath got hitched when two familiar hands wrapped around my belly from behind and Ashton’s expensive scent filled my senses. I immediately relaxed under his touch. His hot breath fell on my bare neck as he buried his face in the crook of my neck. His hands slowly made patterns on my tummy which left jitters inside me.“What are you doing here at this hour, Valeria?” He whispered in my ear.“I wasn’t feeling sleepy so I came here to spend some time alone.” I answered honestly.He slowly turned me around and his hazy eyes met
[ Ashton ]“Father, you know this is not possible, keep my son out of this.” I said in a low voice while trying to keep my anger at bay. This old man was testing my patience and sanity but he seemed to enjoy seeing me running out of options.“Why? One day or other, he must bear the name Rodriguez which comes with its responsibilities. You know everything since you agreed to be known by my name than your mother’s.” He reminded me of my ugly reality.I felt others smirking since the old man said something for their satisfaction.“Alright, I have a preposition. There’s always a solution even for the hardest situation.” I sighed and matched my father’s predatory gaze. He disliked being challenged but I also don’t give up since his bloods runs in my veins.“You’re saying you found a middle ground to reach on a compromise, interesante?” He raised his brow.“Jason can control twenty-five percent of the west coast trade. I’d not meddle in his dealings but he must not try to contact my custome
[ Ashton ]“Do not respond to any unnecessary questions if you feel uncomfortable to answer. Do you hear me?” I asked Valeria who was sweating beside me as we walked our way inside my father’s house.She meekly nodded her head, “I won’t but Doris and her daughters dislike me. they never wanted Liam to marry me, yet I am still a part of Rodriguez family and it’s my first meeting with them after the wedding.” She replied.“They won’t dare to raise a question or throw a taunt at you in my presence but you have to protect yourself from such sly people. No one can save you until you give them a leverage over you.” I advised her.Before she could answer, we were escorted to the living room where my father was expecting everyone and I guess we were the last one to arrive, or should I say, I deliberately took time to reach at the lion’s den.Very few people know that he is the one who pushed me into this complex world from where I can never escape but live a dual life.I won’t let Valeria and
[ Valeria ]“Okay, I got it. You won’t tell me anything but can we at least do some preparations before we visit Mr. Rodriguez, your father?” I broke the silence of long hours between us.He threw a side glance in my direction and again focused them on the computer screen. This man works tirelessly. Sometimes, I wonder if he’s a robot like a science fiction movie because he hardly sleeps for five to six hours.“We won’t be staying there for long so don’t over stress yourself and prepare for your interview. You’ll be working in my company as an intern for next six months so the company seniors will evaluate your skills and your growth. You’ll start from Monday.’ He said without looking up and I spit the juice I was slurping.“What?” I blinked my eyes widely at him but he hardly showed any expression.“I don’t think you have some hearing problems, Val. You heard me correctly so you should rather focus on your own life than the unnecessary events. You have nothing to concern about becaus
[ Valeria ]“You didn’t tell me, Val.” Ashton broke the silence with his raised brows and curious eyes darted on me whereas I was eating small portion of my food.What’s with my nickname?“Told you what?” I placed my fork down and gave him a confused look.“Your food preference. You didn’t tell me specifically when I asked you about your likes and dislikes in general.” He said.“I am not a picky eater so you don’t worry about my food preferences.” I told him in the briefest sentence because talking to him felt awkward.“That’s a good answer. Julia doesn’t like whiny eaters. She called me in the evening to know about your food habits so she can schedule our weekly meals.” He said and resumed eating.“Who is Julia?” I frowned.“Head cook in our house, she manages the kitchen.” He answered.I said nothing further because my mind was no less than a ball of yarn, tangled with many layers. This man is a mystery, he gives air to my curiosity but I have signed a legal agreement with him. I ha